Patrick Johnston and Steve Ewen discuss the Canucks in July and also look at what some say is the slowest week in sports. Except there’s the All Star Game in baseball. The Blue Jays are in trade talks. Steve was at Canada Cup women’s softball on the weekend. Plus there’s the C’s and the CFL.

Huh, that’s a lot of topics. This is Province Sports Radio.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/14/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-the-slowest-sports-week/feed/02015 NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7pericosThe Morning Skate: Slow sports week? Yeah, right! Local teams busy hatching “winning” plans…http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/14/the-morning-skate-slow-sports-week-yeah-right-local-teams-busy-hatching-winning-plans/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/14/the-morning-skate-slow-sports-week-yeah-right-local-teams-busy-hatching-winning-plans/#commentsTue, 14 Jul 2015 16:47:34 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=195367One of these days this week is said to be the annual ‘slowest sports day of the year.’ As Paul pointed out in yesterday’s skate, Erik had a post about it yesterday.

Today is just as challenging. We went with …

]]>One of these days this week is said to be the annual ‘slowest sports day of the year.’ As Paul pointed out in yesterday’s skate, Erik had a post about it yesterday.

Today is just as challenging. We went with a back page that highlighted the struggles of the national men’s soccer team – both at the Gold Cup and in general. Believe us, if there’d been a better choice, we’d have gone with it.

As someone who turned the TV off with two minutes to play, I say good on him. If I were at the stadium I wouldn’t have left. You stick with it to the end. (So why did I think I could do different as I watched the game on TV? I don’t know. That’s our right though, isn’t it?)

The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. Linden has been at this game long enough to know how the crowd will play. They surely knew last week they’d face criticism for the team’s current direction. When you’re not winning – or even when you’re winning – there are always squeaky wheels. But it’s whether those squeaks actually add up to anything that’s the trick. It seems to me a lot of the ‘we’re still in the mix’ window dressing from TL and company is really about papering over the more obvious plan, that they’re trying to clear as much cap room as possible for a run at a big name free agents next summer, someone who could be the next big star.

The question is, will they target the right free agent?

Here's a bizarre cult that did ice hockey rituals in weird garments … hang on, being told it's just the Canucks. pic.twitter.com/RiHTzS2siN

Hey, Big Spender

“I think the league will give us the opportunity to achieve what we would like to as a football club, and a lot of that is because we are putting the effort in (at the league level),” Mallett said in a chat near the site of the club’s future training centre and offices on the Point Grey campus, a $32-million project.

“I don’t foresee in the next five years (MLS) getting top-heavy, where the so-called bottom clubs, like in England, you’re excited on the first day, but you have a pretty good idea that you’re not going to sniff (the title).

“If you look at the growth of the next five years, you look at the primary thing: Improve the product on the field. Full stop. That’ll drive television. That’ll drive people in the seats.

“I think it’s fantastic that they’re bringing in these players (Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard in New York; Steven Gerrard in L.A.).

“Over the next five years, you’re going to have to let clubs do what they need to do to win their markets.”

The key line is that last one. Each market is its own thing. Winning your market is different from winning the league.

NHL Round-Up

The bizarre twist Yost reveals? Teams and players are now allowed to bring ‘enhanced stats’ to the table, but only those available on NHL.com.

If you ever had doubts about the special logic the NHL uses in every situation, this should clear it all up. The NHL statistical product is, safe to say, poor. The metrics they added this season are poorly constructed and there are many far-easier sites to use.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/14/the-morning-skate-slow-sports-week-yeah-right-local-teams-busy-hatching-winning-plans/feed/0FBL-EUR-C1-REALMADRID-JUVENTUSpericosItalian coach Carlo Ancelotti coaching Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match vs Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 13, 2015. (GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)crop_21320052902Fix that helmet. Fix it good. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)Province Sports Radio: Casual Tuesdays on Canucks summer moves, homers at the Nat, throwback unis, lacrosse love for Steve and morehttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/07/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-canucks-summer-moves-homers-at-the-nat-throwback-unis-lacrosse-love-for-steve-and-more/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/07/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-canucks-summer-moves-homers-at-the-nat-throwback-unis-lacrosse-love-for-steve-and-more/#commentsTue, 07 Jul 2015 21:56:42 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=194685]]>On this week’s Province Sports Radio: Casual Tuesdays with Steve, Steve Ewen and Patrick Johnston dish on the 25th anniversary of throwback uniforms, what the Canucks plans seem to be in the wake of their front office clear-out (including beloved trainer Mike Burnstein?!), the loss of Shawn Matthias, who will be better, the Oilers or the Flames and some lacrosse recognition for Steve. Plus the on-going Vasek Pospisil story and some early BC SuperWeek cycling chatter.

Also, who’s at your Sunday bbq?

This is Province Sports Radio.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio with iTunes or another podcast player, click here.

I certainly hope that the politicians got the message that they are not running a tight enough ship. I also hope they understand that the public was afraid that the 0.5-per-cent tax was the start of many increases. I hope they fail in future if they try to hoodwink taxpayers.

The Mayors’ Council led by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore wasted an appalling $6 million trying to fool the voters instead of doing their job of reining in all the crazy spending by TransLink.

Those majors would do well in a Greek election, promising the public everything, dam the cost. Why do voters keep electing fools?

U.S. President Obama is paid $400,000 US and U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden gets $230,700 US. Who has the bigger responsibility? Someone running buses and transit trains or someone running the most powerful country in the world? Small wonder voters said No to this corporate greed.

Too many of our better, more popular players are gone. What we have left are older journeyman players.

Hopefully, club president Trevor Linden and general manager Jim Benning have something terrific up their collective sleeves because, if not, I imagine we will see lots of empty seats in the arena again this year.

Why do we still have juries for simple civil trials between two people? What a waste of resources, time and money. Is it our court system or a government requirement?

We should look at the court systems in other countries to find ways to speed up some of our backlog. I understand that Singapore has the majority of trials by judge alone.

Jim Graf, Surrey

Packaging pollutes

I find it interesting in this day and age of recycling and care for the environment that manufacturers of products continue to employ useless, at times difficult to open packaging that winds up in landfills and oceans. It’s done for the sake of advertising and yet consumers are blamed for the pollution.

Barry Bentley, Maple Ridge

Go Canada go!

As a passionate soccer fan, I was saddened that Canada’s women’s team lost. But I’m sure my heartache was a mere blip when compared to what Lauren Sesselmann (whose misplay led to a goal) and her team experienced.

I have no doubt they will be back, as Sesselman says, and that they will be better. We, their ardent, proud fans, will be there too.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/06/letters-translink-transit-tax-canucks-juries-packaging-womens-soccer-team/feed/0editorialpagesProvince Sports Radio: Talkin’ Canucks asks what direction are the Canucks taking?http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/02/province-sports-radio-talkin-canucks-asks-what-direction-are-the-canucks-taking/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/07/02/province-sports-radio-talkin-canucks-asks-what-direction-are-the-canucks-taking/#commentsThu, 02 Jul 2015 21:12:47 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=194303]]>A front-office blood-letting, the day after free agency opened, days after Jim Benning began his team-reshaping campaign of summer 2015, is a big, bold statement.

Patrick Johnston, Jonathan McDonald and Paul Chapman are left scratching their heads over the message the Canucks are – and aren’t – sending about their team. Fans don’t seem happy. You look elsewhere and you see teams making positive steps to re-design themselves.

Is it all doom and gloom in Vancouver?

This is Province Sports Radio, Talkin’ Canucks.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio with iTunes or another podcast player, click here.

Patrick Johnston and Steve Ewen discuss the Canadian women’s world cup defender’s push back against her critics on social media and the broader picture of what her team’s quarterfinal loss might mean for Soccer Canada’s hopes.

Plus, the outrage over Eddie Lack being traded was pretty loud. Steve was surprised. What did people expect? And what of the current state of the franchise, which looks set to be stuck in the mud for some time to come?

There’s chat about new Giants coach Lorne Molleken, early reviews for the new-look Nat and the C’s, and a couple names to invite to your Sunday barbecue.

This is Province Sports Radio.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio with iTunes or another podcast player, click here.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/30/province-sports-radios-casual-tuesday-on-sesselmanns-social-media-battle-canucks-fans-despair-the-new-look-nat-and-giants-coach-lorne-molleken/feed/0England v Canada Quarter Final - FIFA Women's World Cup 2015pericosSixty players the Canucks should consider: NHL Entry Draft primer part 1, numbers 41-60http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/21/sixty-players-the-canucks-should-consider-nhl-entry-draft-primer-part-1-numbers-41-60/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/21/sixty-players-the-canucks-should-consider-nhl-entry-draft-primer-part-1-numbers-41-60/#commentsMon, 22 Jun 2015 03:18:08 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=192994With Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel the consensus number one and two picks in next weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, Province hockey writers Jason Botchford, Jim Jamieson and Ben Kuzma take a look at the next sixty-best prospects, but with a …]]>With Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel the consensus number one and two picks in next weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, Province hockey writers Jason Botchford, Jim Jamieson and Ben Kuzma take a look at the next sixty-best prospects, but with a ‘what do the Canucks actually need?’ twist…

Comment: A big, raw talent who is mobile for his size but was relegated to a third- and fourth-line role on the Jack Eichel-led Boston University team. The Joliette, Que., native is a project who could yield a big payoff.

Why the Canucks should be interested: Size and nastiness combined with skating ability are irresistible.

Scouting: He’d be a pretty intriguing pick in the third round because he does have dynamic potential. Many had him slated for the third round earlier this year but the past two months he’s been moving up the rankings.

Why the Canucks should be interested: He is one of the forwards who can really fly in this draft. He’s made good use of it in creating turnovers and providing an effective transition game.

Why the Canucks shouldn’t be interested: He’s just not a good enough playmaker right now.

Comment: The Surrey native is another of the small, skilled, mobile defencemen available in this draft. Observers like his poise, but don’t see as much physicality as they’d like. Still, his coach at Tri-City, Mike Williamson, says Wotherspoon sticks his nose in when necessary. “Parker played more minutes that anybody on our team last year,” said Williamson. “He’s very versatile and competes as hard as anybody I’ve coached. He’s a guy you put on the ice whether you need a goal or are trying to defend a lead. “He’s a real warrior on the ice.”

Why the Canucks should be interested: Would add speed to a back end that sorely needs it.

Why the Canucks shouldn’t be interested: He’ll go in Round 2 or 3, where they don’t have a pick currently, and at that size he’ll have to be special.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson in action for Sweden in August 2014 (Getty Images)

Comment: The Swedish pivot will play at Boston University next season and has already established himself as a 200-foot player after one season in the USHL. He scored well in his first year in North America but his offensive up-side remains a debate.

Why the Canucks should be interested: Could develop in to a handy middle-six forward

Why the Canucks shouldn’t be interested: Draft projections are all over the map, making him too much of a gamble.

Scouting: “He’s both strong and aggressive on the forecheck,” a scout said. “What takes you by surprise is how effortless he can make it look although he remains unpolished.
“He’s confident and hard to get the puck from because of a long reach.”

Why the Canucks should be interested: A big, rangy centre who plays with a lot of tenacity and grit.

Why the Canucks shouldn’t be interested: The scout projected Roy’s ceiling as a high-end two-way player but the Canucks don’t have a need there down the middle in the organization.

Scouting: It was pretty surprising he wasn’t drafted in his first year of eligibility last year. If you’re convinced size is overrated after watching this year’s playoffs, he’s the type of guy you take.

Why the Canucks should be interested: He’s athletic, and he’s a puck moving Swedish defenceman who has put up impressive puck possession numbers. Despite his size, he does play physical and certainly hasn’t shied away from things like blocking shots.

Why the Canucks shouldn’t be interested: They already have Jordan Subban.

Comment: He’s the top-rated goaltender in the draft and plays an aggressive, athletic style.

Why the Canucks should be interested: He’s played in numerous international tournaments for Russia and projects as high as a No. 1 goalie eventually in the NHL.

Why they shouldn’t be: Canucks already have highly-rated Thatcher Demko in the goalie prospect pipeline and Samsonov is committed for three years in the KHL.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/21/sixty-players-the-canucks-should-consider-nhl-entry-draft-primer-part-1-numbers-41-60/feed/010756024provweb<>during the second period of the 2015 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Championships at TD Garden on April 11, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts.BLAINVILLE-BOISBRIAND, QC - MARCH 12: Jeremy Lauzon #5 of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies celebrates his second period goal during the QMJHL game against the the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at the Centre Excellence Rousseau on March 12, 2015 in Blainville-Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Huskies defeated the Aramada 5-1. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)BUFFALO, NY - JUNE Nicolas Meloche performs a test during the NHL Combine at HarborCenter on June 6, 2015 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)REGINA, SK : April 15, 2015 -- Brandon Wheat Kings Ryan Pilon #6 and Regina Pats Braden Christoffer #23 cross paths during first period WHL playoff action at the Brandt Centre in Regina on Wednesday. TROY FLEECE / Regina Leader-PostLONDON, ON - OCTOBER 31: Gustav Bouramman #37 of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds battles against Mitchell Marner #93 of the London Knights in an OHL game at the Budweiser Gardens on October 31, 2014 in London, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)KELOWNA, CANADA -FEBRUARY 19: Kris Schmidli #16 of the Kelowna Rockets stick checks Parker Wotherspoon #37 of the Tri City Americans at the boards during third period on February 19, 2014 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)REGINA, SK: JANUARY 23, 2015 - - Regina Pats Austin Wagner (L) is under pressure from Brayden Point (R) with the Moose Jaw Warriors during WHL hockey action at the Brandt Centre in Regina on January 23, 2015. (DON HEALY/Leader-Post) (Story by Greg Harder) (SPORTS)LAKE PLACID, NY - AUGUST 03: Jakob Forsbaka-Karlsson #26 of Team Sweden skates against USA White during the 2014 USA Hockey Junior Evaluation Camp at the Lake Placid Olympic Center on August 3, 2014 in Lake Placid, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 29: Vladislav Gavrikov #6 of Team Russia skates against Christoffer Ehn #26 of Team Sweden in a 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship game at the Air Canada Centre on December 29, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Team Sweden defeated Team Russia 3-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)GettyImages-461059554 (1)Letters: Canucks, selfless kid, Edmonton tragedy, California drought, John Furlong, Pat McGeer, school closureshttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/21/letters-canucks-selfless-kid-edmonton-tragedy-california-drought-john-furlong-pat-mcgeer-school-closures/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/21/letters-canucks-selfless-kid-edmonton-tragedy-california-drought-john-furlong-pat-mcgeer-school-closures/#commentsSun, 21 Jun 2015 07:15:44 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=192626Canucks should put both terrific kids on the ice

Jack Edwards is a great kid for surprising his sick friend, Brett Cerutti, with a skate of a lifetime, by skating with the Canucks.

I just don’t understand why the …

]]>Canucks should put both terrific kids on the ice

Jack Edwards is a great kid for surprising his sick friend, Brett Cerutti, with a skate of a lifetime, by skating with the Canucks.

I just don’t understand why the Canucks couldn’t squeeze one more caring, selfless kid on the ice?

My kid’s team had the opportunity years ago to skate with a few of the Canucks. There’s plenty of ice for one more fan but maybe there’s no room with egos?

Tell me the Canucks will invite both families back to do the right thing.

Under siege and hounded, Norman Raddatz seemed driven to insane action including his suicide. To what degree did others contribute to this outcome? Being openly mocking, while having a weedy, untidy yard seem poor reasons to die for.

On a very recent trip through that sunny, drought-stricken state I was amazed to see some overpass construction where newly planted grass, of all things, was on the banks of the overpass. And guess what? The grass was being watered by a built-in watering system in the middle of the day!

Now, it did say it was reclaimed water but couldn’t the farmers have a better use for that water? I surmise that the sunny state of California has no idea how to control the lack of water so hopefully we won’t hear them complain anymore.

Tom Duncan, Chilliwack

Furlong was shocked

Reporter Laura Robinson, who is suing former Vancouver Olympics CEO John Furlong for libel, says she was shocked and devastated by his reaction to an article she wrote alleging he’d physically abused former students in northern B.C. more that 40 years ago.

However, imagine how shocked and devastated Furlong must have felt. Anyone who makes such incredibly serious allegations better be darned sure they are right.

I hope classic and traditional designs will be chosen if these properties are sold off for housing. And it only seems fair that aging taxpayers who are being squeezed by high taxes today will get a chance to occupy some of these new buildings and live out their lives in their beloved city. They maintained the schools for years.

The Medicare Protection Act has resulted in rationing of health care. It has produced the current infamous wait lists for care. Lake and his government are evading defending this act before a judge while diverting attention away from those suffering in queues.

We deserves better performance than we are getting from Lake, the premier and the B.C. cabinet.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/18/canucks-re-sign-minor-league-goalie-joe-cannata/feed/0heat vs UticapericosReminder: Canucks probably not on Phil Kessel’s list – are you sad?http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/14/reminder-canucks-probably-not-on-phil-kessels-list-are-you-sad/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/14/reminder-canucks-probably-not-on-phil-kessels-list-are-you-sad/#commentsSun, 14 Jun 2015 20:00:34 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=192261Bob McKenzie’s Sunday morning news and notes includes a call back reference to the trade deadline, when the eight teams Leafs winger Phil Kessel would accept a trade to were revealed.

TSN reported those eight teams were believed to be:

…

]]>Bob McKenzie’s Sunday morning news and notes includes a call back reference to the trade deadline, when the eight teams Leafs winger Phil Kessel would accept a trade to were revealed.

Of course, as McKenzie notes, that list could change, but there’s little reason to think it has at this point.

You could also call it “Phil’s list of eight perceived-to-be-good teams”. The Bruins are in turmoil, so are the Kings. The Flyers are forever a mess. There’s pretty much no way the Hawks would be able to deal for him, unless the Stanley Cup finalist (winners?) decide to complete blow things up and start anew. Hey, Stan Bowman must get really bored from time to time, right? You could see a team like the Rangers, Habs or Penguins making a move for him. He’s the kind of star power each of those team would love to add. Could we see Rick Nash going in the other direction? The Wild surely would love to as well, but they’d have to ship out a big piece of their own.

UBC has proposed to build micro apartments to add more affordable options for student housing.

The Gage South Student Residence will have 630 units in different configurations, but the 145 …

]]>UBC to build micro apartments to solve student housing issue

UBC has proposed to build micro apartments to add more affordable options for student housing.

The Gage South Student Residence will have 630 units in different configurations, but the 145 square foot micro apartments will be the first of their kind on campus.

The 43 micro units will be fully equipped with a kitchen, bed and full bathroom. They’ll cost between $670-$690 a month.

UBC’s Managing Director of Student Housing Andrew Parr says this is a pilot project to see how little space students are willing to live in if it means cheaper rent.

Araxi announces 2015 Longtable Dinner Series

One of the highlights of summer dining in Vancouver is the Longtable Dinner Series from Whistler’s celebrated Araxi. The restaurant has announced their two al fresco events for the season in Vancouver and Pemberton, and seats are expected to sell out.

The 2015 Araxi Longtable Dinner Series will happen on Monday, August 3 (B.C. Day) in Vancouver and Saturday, September 5 (Labour Day weekend) in Pemberton.

At each of the dinners, which take place outside in striking natural settings, award-winning Executive Chef James Walt will prepare exclusive four-course menus of his signature farm-to-table dishes.

Newly wedded couple gives Canucks jersey to Pope Francis

A newly wedded Richmond couple visited the Vatican with the intention of giving Pope Francis a Canucks jersey — and believe it or not, they really did it.

Joe and Marion San Jose got married on Saturday, and flew into Rome on Monday. They dubbed their journey “pilgrim-moon,” and joined an audience in the thousands outside St. Peter’s Basilica, with the pope.

The couple traveled to the Vatican to have their marriage blessed by the pope. When the pope approached him, Joe handed him the jersey. The pope apparently looked confused, but quickly grinned and took the jersey.

John Pitarresi joins Patrick Johnston to talk about the Amazin’ Utica Comets, who are four wins from the AHL title.

Jacob Markstrom, Cory Conacher and Travis Green are top of the list. The team’s patient approach bears consideration too.

This is Province Sports Radio, Talkin’ Comets.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio in iTunes or with another podcast player, click here.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/06/03/province-sports-radio-talkin-comets-in-the-calder-cup-final/feed/0celebrate2pericosProvince Sports Radio: Casual Tuesdays on Hockey lingo, the Stanley Cup playoffs, Canucks defence, Sydney Leroux and morehttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/26/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-hockey-lingo-the-stanley-cup-playoffs-canucks-defence-sydney-leroux-and-more/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/26/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-hockey-lingo-the-stanley-cup-playoffs-canucks-defence-sydney-leroux-and-more/#commentsTue, 26 May 2015 22:19:31 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=190337]]>How much money is Cody Franson going to make this summer? There aren’t a lot of options for free agent defencemen. The Canucks would surely like to sign the B.C. kid, but it’s doubtful they can.

Steve Ewen and Patrick Johnston take an early look at the free agency question – and stop off at Hockey Lingo station.

There’s time to talk lacrosse too, as Wesley Berg looks set to be a hot commidity.

And then you’ve got Sydney Leroux. Canadian soccer fans haven’t been kind to the Surrey native. Steve Ewen caught up with her mom to get her side of the story.

Lots to talk about this week, on Casual Tuesdays with Steve.

This is Province Sports Radio.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio with iTunes or another podcast player, click here.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/26/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-hockey-lingo-the-stanley-cup-playoffs-canucks-defence-sydney-leroux-and-more/feed/011079030pericosProvince Sports Radio: Talkin’ Comets in the AHL Western Finalhttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/21/province-sports-radio-talkin-comets-in-the-ahl-western-final/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/21/province-sports-radio-talkin-comets-in-the-ahl-western-final/#commentsThu, 21 May 2015 23:02:06 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189862]]>The Comets are in the AHL’s Western Conference final.

Travis Green’s men have roared along all season and see the Grand Rapids Griffins standing between them and the Calder Cup final.

Can they get there? How did they get here? John Pitarresi of the Utica Observer Dispatch joins Patrick Johnston to look at the Canucks farm team.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/21/province-sports-radio-talkin-comets-in-the-ahl-western-final/feed/0green-415x360pericosProvince Sports Radio: Casual Tuesdays with Steve on McLellan to the Oilers, Ted Nolan to the Giants (?) and the Canucks’ defensive planshttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-with-steve-on-mclellan-to-the-oilers-ted-nolan-to-the-giants-and-the-canucks-defensive-plans/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-with-steve-on-mclellan-to-the-oilers-ted-nolan-to-the-giants-and-the-canucks-defensive-plans/#commentsTue, 19 May 2015 22:25:21 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189657]]>The coaching wheel goes round and round. Todd McLellan is the new coach of the Oilers. Could Ted Nolan be the new coach of the Giants?

This is Casual Tuesdays with Steve, where Steve Ewen and Patrick Johnston also look at the Canucks’ defence and the latest edition of the MLB Canadian Power Rankings.

This is Province Sports Radio.

To subscribe to Province Sports Radio in iTunes or with another podcast player, click here.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-with-steve-on-mclellan-to-the-oilers-ted-nolan-to-the-giants-and-the-canucks-defensive-plans/feed/0IHOCKEY-WORLD-CAN-BLRpericosReports: Canucks training camp heading north to Prince Georgehttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/reports-canucks-training-camp-heading-north-to-prince-george/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/reports-canucks-training-camp-heading-north-to-prince-george/#commentsTue, 19 May 2015 21:49:02 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189647Tuesday afternoon, the Canucks announced they would be revealing big news in Prince George on Wednesday. Almost immediately several local people in the know confirmed what immediately sprang to mind: 2015 training camp will be in the northern B.C. city.…]]>Tuesday afternoon, the Canucks announced they would be revealing big news in Prince George on Wednesday. Almost immediately several local people in the know confirmed what immediately sprang to mind: 2015 training camp will be in the northern B.C. city.

Canucks to announce training camp will be held in Prince George, after Whistler hosted last year. Tweet presented without comment.

So there you go. Whistler last year, PG this year. Prospects camp in the summer at Shawningan Lake. YoungStars? Penticton still, but that’s not yet been confirmed.

Anyway, pack your bags.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/19/reports-canucks-training-camp-heading-north-to-prince-george/feed/0Prince_George_British_Columbia_2011pericosCanucks sign defence prospect Jordan Subbanhttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/canucks-sign-defence-prospect-jordan-subban/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/canucks-sign-defence-prospect-jordan-subban/#commentsThu, 14 May 2015 20:11:58 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189194Canucks fans need wonder no more about the future of Jordan Subban – the team announced Thursday they’ve signed the 20 year old defenceman to an entry-level contract.

Drafted 115th overall in the 2013 draft, Subban was a slick puck-mover …

]]>Canucks fans need wonder no more about the future of Jordan Subban – the team announced Thursday they’ve signed the 20 year old defenceman to an entry-level contract.

Drafted 115th overall in the 2013 draft, Subban was a slick puck-mover for the Belleville Bulls. He scored 25 goals in 2014-15, his fourth season with Belleville. His 52 points placed him eighth overall in scoring among OHL defencemen.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/canucks-sign-defence-prospect-jordan-subban/feed/0CanuckspericosPhoto: Eddie Lack equates Chris Tanev with Neo from The Matrixhttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/photo-eddie-lack-equates-chris-tanev-with-neo-from-the-matrix/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/photo-eddie-lack-equates-chris-tanev-with-neo-from-the-matrix/#commentsThu, 14 May 2015 16:37:01 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189160Eddie Lack took a hiatus from Twitter during the playoffs.

The world kept turning on its axis, but it didn’t feel right. Now he’s back to his social media best. Last week, it was Instagram shots of his return to action and photos of him participating in the Canucks Autism Network’s big sports day at BC Place.

The only question I have is has anyone ever heard Tanev say ‘woah’ or ‘I know kung fu’ – because that would be perfect.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/14/photo-eddie-lack-equates-chris-tanev-with-neo-from-the-matrix/feed/0Vancouver Canucks players end of season farewell (P&V)pericosProvince Sports Radio: Casual Tuesdays on Auston Matthews, the new Nat Bailey, the Mariners and morehttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/12/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-auston-matthews-the-new-nat-bailey-the-mariners-and-more/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/12/province-sports-radio-casual-tuesdays-on-auston-matthews-the-new-nat-bailey-the-mariners-and-more/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 19:55:24 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=189004]]>Auston Matthews wants to go to Europe to play hockey – or so he says. Steve Ewen’s not so sure. Maybe it’s really about getting out of Everett.

This week on Casual Tuesdays, Steve and Patrick Johnston look at the Matthews to Switzerland question, Matt O’Connor not signing with the Canucks, the Mariners and their early struggles and the Stanley Cup playoffs – have they been exciting.

I am appalled and shocked that our justice system is so lacking in integrity that when a falsely accused individual such as Ivan Henry is exonerated after 27 years in prison, rather than receiving an immediate, heartfelt apology and financial compensation, the victim receives instead arrogant denials and self-righteous defensiveness from the perpetrators, in this case the B.C. government.

There is no way anyone like Henry can ever be paid for the losses he has endured from 27 years behind bars for crimes he did not commit.

The B.C. government’s justice system is behind another crime here — refusing to take responsibility for terrible mistake.

When we hesitate while witnessing an atrocity of injustice, such as has been committed against Henry, we allow a bully to prevail — and with impunity. We are all at risk when a government cannot admit an error and believes itself to be so powerful it is beyond accountability.

Henry’s gross mistreatment by our B.C. government simple highlights the glaring injustices that can happen when a government is more interested in defending itself than in protecting its citizens.

In Vancouver, a four-bedroom house on West 32nd Avenue just sold for $8 million — $2 million over the asking price. By contrast, in 2014, pop star Katy Perry sold her fully furnished, nine bedroom Hollywood mansion on three acres for a measly $5.6 million.

Remember, folks, it’s just those honest, hard-working families.

Ken Moffatt, Richmond

Don’t play no-trade players

A major stumbling block to improve the Canucks is the large number of players that management has given no-trade clauses to in their contracts. This prevents the team from trading the player without his consent but it doesn’t mean the players are guaranteed playing time!

Riding the bench or the press box is the only option the team has to motivate these players to accept a trade. Too many of the players are past their “best before” dates, notably Kevin Bieska and the Sedin twins.

Archie Blankers, Pitt Meadows

Greens are really blue

Som people think that the Greens are a left-wing party but this is a mistake. The Greens’ economic policy is more conservative than Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s.

If you are a conservative who is dismayed with what Harper has done to conservative values and the progressive conservative party, then you \owe it to yourself to take a look at Green economic policy.

Green leader Elizabeth May believes in the power of the market and is more the true successor to the mantle of John Diefenbaker, Brian Mulroney and Joe Clark than Harper ever was.

This is not the U.S. General tax revenues such as income taxes pay for the majority of such things in this country and that’s as it should be, whether those taxes were raised in the Interior or in the Lower Mainland.

The sky will not fall when the TransLink tax plebiscite is defeated. Save referendums for constitutional changes, we elect politicians to make decisions on our behalf when it comes to taxes and spending priorities.

To read a story, just click on the circular symbol over the image or headline below.

…

]]>Here’s your clickable front page for Monday May 4, 2015, courtesy of the graphics team at The Province.

To read a story, just click on the circular symbol over the image or headline below.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/04/the-province-front-page-monday-may-4-2015/feed/0provwebCanucks prospects McCann and Virtanen to join Utica Comets playoff runhttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/03/canucks-prospects-mccann-and-virtanen-to-join-utica-comets-playoff-run/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/03/canucks-prospects-mccann-and-virtanen-to-join-utica-comets-playoff-run/#commentsSun, 03 May 2015 18:51:49 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=188311The Comets are in to the second of the Calder Cup playoffs, following a prospects-powered 4-2 win on Saturday night over the Chicago Wolves. Brendan Gaunce had two goals, while Sven Baertschi had a goal and an assist. Brandon DeFazio …]]>The Comets are in to the second of the Calder Cup playoffs, following a prospects-powered 4-2 win on Saturday night over the Chicago Wolves. Brendan Gaunce had two goals, while Sven Baertschi had a goal and an assist. Brandon DeFazio scored the other goal for the Comets, who will face either the Toronto Marlies or the Oklahoma City Barons in the next round.

It’s a very deep squad in Utica, one that’s set to get deeper as prized 2014 first rounders Jake Virtanen and Jared McCann are set to join the Travis Green-coached group.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/03/canucks-prospects-mccann-and-virtanen-to-join-utica-comets-playoff-run/feed/0virtmccannpericosProvince Sports Radio: Willes and Chapman dive into bones of Canucks seasonhttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/01/province-sports-radio-willes-and-chapman-dive-into-bones-of-canucks-season/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/05/01/province-sports-radio-willes-and-chapman-dive-into-bones-of-canucks-season/#commentsFri, 01 May 2015 21:19:09 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=188189Ed Willes and Paul Chapman dive into the bones of the Canucks season. Was it a success? Did the first-round playoff loss change the way people should look at the team? And what moves do they need to make in …]]>Ed Willes and Paul Chapman dive into the bones of the Canucks season. Was it a success? Did the first-round playoff loss change the way people should look at the team? And what moves do they need to make in the off-season.

The lads then chat about the NFL draft and why the league is seemingly bulletproof.

They finish up with a discussion about the NBA and Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins and the boon for the future of Canadian basketball.

Maybe the individual who allegedly won $50 million should count his or her blessings instead of burdening our already backlogged court system.

He or she had a year to develop a plan, hire a security company or a moving company or, better yet, tell the B.C. Lottery Corporation to draw another winner who follows the rules.

Mike Menzies, Delta

Transparency isn’t needed

The B.C. Lottery Corp. administration’s claim that they need to make public a winner’s name for “transparency” is simply a cover for their future sales exploitation. It isn’t necessary.

For decades, the British football pools’ entry form had a section where one could indicate if one wanted publicity if a winner. There never was any fiddle with the money. Various other pools around the world — some with much bigger prizes — also offer anonymity. Don’t the Lotto crowd trust themselves?

Ian Macdonald, North Vancouver

Something fishy with ticket

Does anyone else think there is a problem with someone claiming a $50-million lottery win and wishing to remain anonymous?

As our not-so-wonderful Canucks quickly fade from the ice to the golf course, one wonders how long it will take the owners and management to realize that a major overall is required to produce a team that can go far in the playoffs.

The current players are doing their best but it is clearly not enough. They desperately need new blood.

Should we reopen the Kits Coast Guard station? Absolutely not! There is a station at the airport. Should they be popping up like Starbucks at taxpayers’ expense? Let’s keep things in perspective, people.

]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/04/27/letters-lottery-anonymity-canucks-motorcycle-insurance-human-rights-for-apes-oil-spill/feed/1editorialpagesTell us what you think about the 2014-15 Canuckshttp://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/04/26/tell-us-what-you-think-about-the-2014-15-canucks/
http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/04/26/tell-us-what-you-think-about-the-2014-15-canucks/#commentsSun, 26 Apr 2015 16:46:26 +0000http://blogs.theprovince.com/?p=187747We’d like to hear from you about the just-completed season…

…

]]>We’d like to hear from you about the just-completed season…
View Survey]]>http://blogs.theprovince.com/2015/04/26/tell-us-what-you-think-about-the-2014-15-canucks/feed/6Ryan Miller, Christopher Tanevprovweb